The Technical Services Division of the state-owned Caribbean Stores has announced the leasing of one of its properties to private individuals in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana.
"We invite all Non-State Economic Actors to participate in the public bidding for leasing properties in Caribbean Stores," reads the announcement posted on Facebook.
This bidding process for state-owned facilities, which the government claims is a method to ensure transparency and participation in commerce management, is, in reality, an attempt to activate businesses that the state lacks the ability to manage.
The property in question belongs to the Basic Service Unit for Shrinkage Treatment and Distribution. It includes office space and parking and is located at I Street between 1st and Calzada de Güines, in San Miguel del Padrón.
Those interested in participating in the bidding must present several documents. For self-employed workers (TCP), these include: identity card, authorization card for self-employment, certified validation of an approved project by the Ministry of Labor with the required stamp and signature, and a unique tax identification (ONAT card).
Additionally, a bank account certification in MN issued by the bank, whether linked to a magnetic card and bank contract, proof of ONAT payment update, commercial registration certification, and health license, if applicable, are required.
In the case of MIPYMEs, required documents include: identity card of the authorized legal representative of the business, public notarial deed, commercial registration, bank account certification, fiscal in MN issued by the bank, bank contract, commercial registration certification, and commercial license.
Furthermore, a unique tax identification (NIT), official statistics document (ONEI Code), and health license, if applicable, are necessary.
Criteria for Bidding Application
To be considered for the bidding, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrate legal capacity and personality through the presentation of legal documentation.
- Submit a project that includes various market segments, ensures the quality of products or services, offers guarantees, and complies with current legal standards for the non-state sector.
Offers must be submitted in a sealed envelope, which will be opened in the presence of a Notary Public within five business days following the end of the request submission process by interested economic actors. The application period begins on Friday, February 27, 2026, and ends on Monday, March 16, 2026, from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Technical Services Division, located at 4th Street #101, between 1st and 3rd, Miramar, Playa Municipality. Contact number: 7204-8189, Ext 136. Legal Advisor is available.
A Silent Shift to Privatization
This current bidding is not an isolated event but part of a broader trend where the Cuban state, instead of addressing its economic collapse transparently, shifts the operation of public spaces to private hands under temporary contracts, offering little in terms of stable guarantees in a market barely capable of promising investment recovery.
For instance, in June of last year, Empresa de Gestión del Patrimonio S.A., associated with the Office of the Historian of Havana, offered spaces along the Malecón as a "unique opportunity" for entrepreneurs.
The announcement was met with widespread skepticism, amid accusations of improvisation, urban neglect, and suspicions that private individuals are being used as free maintenance labor while the state shirks its responsibilities.
The bidding process has touched several state institutions: from EGREM in Santiago de Cuba to gastronomic spaces at the Antonio Maceo International Airport.
This is in addition to the 300 establishments in the state gastronomy system that were announced for bidding in 2022.
Understanding the Leasing Process in Cuba
What documents are required for self-employed workers to participate in the bidding?
Self-employed workers need to present their identity card, authorization for self-employment, project validation from the Ministry of Labor, and a unique tax identification card, among other documents.
How does the Cuban government justify these leasing processes?
The government claims these leasing processes ensure transparency and participation in commerce management, though skeptics argue it's an attempt to offload state-managed facilities.
When is the deadline for submitting bids for the current leasing opportunity?
The deadline for submitting bids is Monday, March 16, 2026, with submissions accepted from Monday to Thursday between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM.